Search for inspirational women

Photo by: BHANTE ANANDAJOTI
A carving of legendary Angkor queen Indradevi.

via CAAI

Monday, 15 November 2010 15:00 Sarah Macklin

A NATIONWIDE search is being launched today to find inspirational women who have contributed selflessly to community and economic development.

Three women will be chosen to receive Cambodia’s first Indradevi Hope Awards, named after the legendary Angkor-era queen who worked to help ordinary people.

The awards, to be honoured in three categories – leadership, dedication, and young achievers between 18 and 25 – are organised by the Women’s International Group of Cambodia. Winners will get US$1,500 to support their projects, a plaque designed by Artisan d’Angkor and a certificate.

Their stories will be highlighted at an award ceremony and gala dinner next March in Phnom Penh.

“We want to honour exceptional Cambodian women working hard to bring about positive change,” said WIG president Dorte Kieler. Her group, a multinational group of more than 100 women in Phnom Penh, supports community-based projects.

“In Cambodia, women who work alone to create business and social organisations addressing important needs in this country sometimes don’t get the recognition they deserve,” said Bretton Sciaroni, president of the International Business Chamber of Cambodia, which is supporting the awards. “It’s our hope that this pioneering award will help inspire a new generation of women leaders to set their sights high.”

Television network CTN and The Asia Foundation are also backing the awards, and hope to reach out to potential recipients in far-flung rural areas. CTN has launched a TV programme called Knhom Nung Groursa (Me and Family) which deals exclusively with matters concerning Cambodian women.

Posters and nomination forms for the awards will be distributed through universities, embassies and ACLEDA Bank offices. The deadline for entry is December 31. Further information is available at the website www.wigcambodia.com.